I grew up with a TO35 that was bought new for the farm in 1955 (green belly) and I continue to use it now (snow plow the other day). While we had bigger tractors for specific tasks, the 35 was the hardest working and ran the most hours on our place. Ferguson was a decade ahead of other tractor brands in the three point advancements and this was the top game back then. Other notes: The Engines in the 30s have more instances of coolant in the oil (leakage around the sleeves, often from installation). Either tractor, make sure the shifter boots and the top 3pt mount boots remain in good condition or the transmission will fill with water, I know because mine the shifters locked up on my father and hence my rebuild. Bundy Bears youtube channel is a wealth of mechanical insight to repairing these old tractors. I did a 12v alternator (look for 'mini hotrod' denso unit as the typical large GM one gets hit by suspension linkages) and new switches and harness and it greatly improved the starting of the tractor. Headlights get wiped off early on these, I installed new LED units (super bright now) back by the dashboard (like our old AC WD) so I can see the engine if any issues too.
The 35 we had (not this one) also saw a lot of work and it just always did the job. I agree that Ferguson was well ahead of the competiton with the 3pt hitch. Thanks for stopping by.
Really enjoyed the video. My dad bought a 1953 TO 30 new after he came out of the Army. I was born in 1947 and grew up with that tractor, can't remember when I was turned loose on it by myself. After watching this I wish Dad would have waited a couple of years and bought a 35, I hated when we had to turn the rear wheels to cultivate since they had calcium chloride in them. I believe Dad bought the tractor, plow and cultivator for $1200.
@@Bohica-tq3ps That’s a great story, I hated moving the wheels too. Dad seemed to always want to change the setup! Our 35 back in the day didn’t have the power adjust wheels. I will say we could set it all the way wide and cultivate strawberries- just the ticket,
Looking at at 1955 Ferguson TO35 tomorrow for a good price and thanks to your video I know as long as it runs and operates well I'm getting a good old tractor here.
@@froghairfarm Agreed! For $1500 in today's homeadeading demand for these tractors, I think I got a great deal. The old girl ran great and everything worked minus a front headlight which is no big deal. It has a nice front loader on it with a bucket. It has separate hydraulics running off the engine's front shaft with optional 2 way controls so I can put on implements such as a snow plow on it with hydaulic lift and side to side tilt. Tractor just needs a good servicing changing all the fluids and filters and she's ready to work. The owner lost his job and needs quick cash to just get by he hated to have to sell the old girl. I feel bad for him, as I've been in that situation before too.
I have a 2N that I was going to part with, but based on the low-ball offers, and the fact it is a solid machine, I think I may hang on to it a bit. I -may- tackle a restoration on it, but who knows! Once we get some warmer weather I'll do a comparison of the 2N and the Ferguson TO20.
We worked a Ferguson 30 on my grandparent's farm in the late 1950's....early '60's. We used it mostly for hay mowing (rear mounted sickle bar) and for pushing windrows of cured hay to haystack sites with a front mounted buck rake. It was a great dependable machine. The farm was in Carroll County in Southwest Virginia.... hilly land. I enjoyed this great video comparing the 30 and 35. I've always wondered what the differences are. Richard....age 81
Hey Richard! Thanks for the comment. While the MF 180 is my favorite tractor, the 35 has a special place as I grew up running one of them for many hours. The 35 is a definite upgrade from the TO20-30 with much improved hydraulics, two-stage clutch, and two-range transmission. You could go a lot slower with a 35, which may seem like not much of a plus, but when you are running a transplanter putting in 50,000 strawberries or cultivating the same, slow is good!
Thank you for the video. I'm in the process of buying a 1955 Ferguson TO 35. Not a green belly. I'm looking forward to getting it in a few days. Thanks for saying the 6 volt system is fine...it seems like folks say its a major upgrade...
That's fantastic, it is a great tractor. With 6V, just be sure you have heavy battery cables, the reason many don't like 6Vis that the cables have been replaced with lighter ones suitable for a 12V system, and they don't realize the negative impact.
You have very nice tractors!! I have a TO30, two TO35s and a massey ferguson 165. Both of my 35s are 12 volt. One is a 1957. Second is the Delux and dosen't run yet. Maybe some day mine can look as nice as yours.
I have a 53 TO 30 and I don’t think I’ll part with it anytime soon. It’s a handy sized tractor for little jobs around the farm. I do think Ferguson was a half step behind Ford after they split in 47, but still a very serviceable tractor.
A Chevrolet generator can be made to run as a exciter and not gen until you increase the RPM's on the motor. I had a TO35 for years most likely the best tractor I will ever have.
Who do you recommend for TO35 parts like ignition, water pump, electrical in general, hydraulics (need to rebuild pump and piston), brakes, ....... I inherited a very used but no longer running family owned TO35 that was worked hard. I am going to restore it as it is a family heirloom (my family didn't have much). I am very mechanical and so just need a manual and good parts sources. The rest will be a labor of love.
I can't say that I have a specific recommended source for the parts. There are several vendors that offer the components you are looking for. The one thing I would say is that if it still has the original generator I would rebuild it if it isn't working rather than go to an alternator. Electronic ignition is a good idea too.
I have what I think is a 49 or 50 model. Not sure if it's to 20 or 30. It is all blue, with a lighter blue underneath. No gray at all. I have yet to see another blue one. Anyone know why??
If it has an air intake on the dash, you have a 30, without, it is a 20. Paint-wise, it really can't tell you much, people painted these in all kinds of ways, including with left over house paint. Also, if the tag is still on the engine and readable, a 30 will have a Z-129 Continental and a 20 a Z-120.
@froghairfarm Thanks. Figured out it's a 1950 To 20. Can't figure out the paint but it looks like a dealer did it. I started tearing it down yesterday for a mild restoration. I did find some red on the oil pan also.🤷♂️
That's right, however, with a draft implement the working depth is controlled by where you set your draft control lever. There are two types of control, position and draft. Both set a "height" just differently. The 30, without position control will allow a non-draft implement, like a rotary cutter to wander in height unless the operator continually adjusts. A tractor without draft control will not adjust depth (of a draft implement) according to conditions without operator intervention. The 35 has both types of control and is more versatile for it.
"TO" is short for Tractor Oversea. Here in the old world they were know as "TE" and "FE", Ferguson England. Here are no 30. Only 20 and 35. But there is a 25.
Nice tractors, from the 20 all the way up through the 135...but seems to be from what I have seen, the Continental engines in them seem quite a bit more fragile than a comparable Ford tractor engine, and the transmissions/2 stage clutch setups seem more fragile than the Fords also....
My only Ford experience is with the 9/2N tractors, I don't have a point of reference, however, I have never thought of these as very fragile. In all the hours our family has put on Massey's, I cannot recall a clutch or engine failure.
I have a Ferguson that i bought at an auction. It is marked 35, but i know it is not a 35. I dont really know what it is. It looks like a TO-30. Whoever had it before really cobled it up. By watching your video, it looks tile a 30. I sure would like to know for sure.
I grew up with a TO35 that was bought new for the farm in 1955 (green belly) and I continue to use it now (snow plow the other day). While we had bigger tractors for specific tasks, the 35 was the hardest working and ran the most hours on our place. Ferguson was a decade ahead of other tractor brands in the three point advancements and this was the top game back then. Other notes: The Engines in the 30s have more instances of coolant in the oil (leakage around the sleeves, often from installation). Either tractor, make sure the shifter boots and the top 3pt mount boots remain in good condition or the transmission will fill with water, I know because mine the shifters locked up on my father and hence my rebuild. Bundy Bears youtube channel is a wealth of mechanical insight to repairing these old tractors. I did a 12v alternator (look for 'mini hotrod' denso unit as the typical large GM one gets hit by suspension linkages) and new switches and harness and it greatly improved the starting of the tractor. Headlights get wiped off early on these, I installed new LED units (super bright now) back by the dashboard (like our old AC WD) so I can see the engine if any issues too.
The 35 we had (not this one) also saw a lot of work and it just always did the job. I agree that Ferguson was well ahead of the competiton with the 3pt hitch. Thanks for stopping by.
I have your tractors sister, 1955 green belly serial number S150204. My favorite tractor ever and it can still get alot of work done!
Really enjoyed the video. My dad bought a 1953 TO 30 new after he came out of the Army. I was born in 1947 and grew up with that tractor, can't remember when I was turned loose on it by myself. After watching this I wish Dad would have waited a couple of years and bought a 35, I hated when we had to turn the rear wheels to cultivate since they had calcium chloride in them. I believe Dad bought the tractor, plow and cultivator for $1200.
@@Bohica-tq3ps That’s a great story, I hated moving the wheels too. Dad seemed to always want to change the setup! Our 35 back in the day didn’t have the power adjust wheels. I will say we could set it all the way wide and cultivate strawberries- just the ticket,
Looking at at 1955 Ferguson TO35 tomorrow for a good price and thanks to your video I know as long as it runs and operates well I'm getting a good old tractor here.
either way, it's a good rig.
@@froghairfarm Agreed! For $1500 in today's homeadeading demand for these tractors, I think I got a great deal. The old girl ran great and everything worked minus a front headlight which is no big deal. It has a nice front loader on it with a bucket. It has separate hydraulics running off the engine's front shaft with optional 2 way controls so I can put on implements such as a snow plow on it with hydaulic lift and side to side tilt. Tractor just needs a good servicing changing all the fluids and filters and she's ready to work. The owner lost his job and needs quick cash to just get by he hated to have to sell the old girl. I feel bad for him, as I've been in that situation before too.
Don't know how I missed this...thanks for the great explanation. My nephew's 8N is sitting in the corner of my barn, partially restored ;)
I have a 2N that I was going to part with, but based on the low-ball offers, and the fact it is a solid machine, I think I may hang on to it a bit. I -may- tackle a restoration on it, but who knows! Once we get some warmer weather I'll do a comparison of the 2N and the Ferguson TO20.
we just got 30 and we having a great time with it runs great
Awesome, great to see they are getting some love!
We worked a Ferguson 30 on my grandparent's farm in the late 1950's....early '60's. We used it mostly for hay mowing (rear mounted sickle bar) and for pushing windrows of cured hay to haystack sites with a front mounted buck rake. It was a great dependable machine. The farm was in Carroll County in Southwest Virginia.... hilly land.
I enjoyed this great video comparing the 30 and 35. I've always wondered what the differences are.
Richard....age 81
Hey Richard! Thanks for the comment. While the MF 180 is my favorite tractor, the 35 has a special place as I grew up running one of them for many hours. The 35 is a definite upgrade from the TO20-30 with much improved hydraulics, two-stage clutch, and two-range transmission. You could go a lot slower with a 35, which may seem like not much of a plus, but when you are running a transplanter putting in 50,000 strawberries or cultivating the same, slow is good!
Thank you for the video. I'm in the process of buying a 1955 Ferguson TO 35. Not a green belly. I'm looking forward to getting it in a few days. Thanks for saying the 6 volt system is fine...it seems like folks say its a major upgrade...
That's fantastic, it is a great tractor. With 6V, just be sure you have heavy battery cables, the reason many don't like 6Vis that the cables have been replaced with lighter ones suitable for a 12V system, and they don't realize the negative impact.
You have very nice tractors!! I have a TO30, two TO35s and a massey ferguson 165. Both of my 35s are 12 volt. One is a 1957. Second is the Delux and dosen't run yet. Maybe some day mine can look as nice as yours.
Right on - They are great little tractors. I have a soft spot for 35's especially.
I have a 53 TO 30 and I don’t think I’ll part with it anytime soon. It’s a handy sized tractor for little jobs around the farm. I do think Ferguson was a half step behind Ford after they split in 47, but still a very serviceable tractor.
I may have a friendly difference of opinion, but I have a fondness for both the early Fords and these Fergies
Great video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do! I'll have some time to make a few more soon.
Great little tractors we had one growing up the tractor never ler us down . Used it to scrap the barn lot and rake hay
@@georgecass8529 great little machines and still useful today
Great video good facts. Some of the 35’s shipped with 12V system so you should be able to just get a generator and be good.
That is likely what I will end up doing, thanks for watching!
A Chevrolet generator can be made to run as a exciter and not gen until you increase the RPM's on the motor. I had a TO35 for years most likely the best tractor I will ever have.
I notice on the 35 you have an alternator conversion. How do you run your tachometer since it originally was driven off the rear of the generator?
Wonderful video. Much appreciated.
Glad it was helpful!
Think you said the 30 had 3 forward speeds. Actually 4 forward.
@arvbergstedt3303 You are 100% correct. I was kicking myself after I made the video!
Who do you recommend for TO35 parts like ignition, water pump, electrical in general, hydraulics (need to rebuild pump and piston), brakes, ....... I inherited a very used but no longer running family owned TO35 that was worked hard. I am going to restore it as it is a family heirloom (my family didn't have much). I am very mechanical and so just need a manual and good parts sources. The rest will be a labor of love.
I can't say that I have a specific recommended source for the parts. There are several vendors that offer the components you are looking for. The one thing I would say is that if it still has the original generator I would rebuild it if it isn't working rather than go to an alternator. Electronic ignition is a good idea too.
I have what I think is a 49 or 50 model. Not sure if it's to 20 or 30. It is all blue, with a lighter blue underneath. No gray at all. I have yet to see another blue one. Anyone know why??
If it has an air intake on the dash, you have a 30, without, it is a 20. Paint-wise, it really can't tell you much, people painted these in all kinds of ways, including with left over house paint. Also, if the tag is still on the engine and readable, a 30 will have a Z-129 Continental and a 20 a Z-120.
@froghairfarm Thanks. Figured out it's a 1950 To 20. Can't figure out the paint but it looks like a dealer did it. I started tearing it down yesterday for a mild restoration. I did find some red on the oil pan also.🤷♂️
That's cool. So, a 20 was originally all grey, very much like Rustoleum smoke grey.
@froghairfarm It's been in my family for over 50 years, named it Ole blue. I'll probably do a blue and gray combination for sentimental reasons.
Draft control is not (constant) depth control, draft control ensures your tractor is able to move forward under diff. conditions
That's right, however, with a draft implement the working depth is controlled by where you set your draft control lever. There are two types of control, position and draft. Both set a "height" just differently. The 30, without position control will allow a non-draft implement, like a rotary cutter to wander in height unless the operator continually adjusts. A tractor without draft control will not adjust depth (of a draft implement) according to conditions without operator intervention. The 35 has both types of control and is more versatile for it.
You need the generator to run the tack. Harder and harder to find rebuilders for that stuff. My go-to guy just retired.
Yep, tach drive needed for sure. I do ahve a guy, but it takes a while. Definitely a=harder to come by.
"TO" is short for Tractor Oversea.
Here in the old world they were know as "TE" and "FE", Ferguson England. Here are no 30. Only 20 and 35. But there is a 25.
You are spot-on. I may have a 25 lurking around the barn :). Look for it in a future video.
TO's and also the TEA or TE also where sold in Canada
my to30 have a toolbox on it size of the hood in the exterior and has a starter. seem like mine different lol
Nice tractors, from the 20 all the way up through the 135...but seems to be from what I have seen, the Continental engines in them seem quite a bit more fragile than a comparable Ford tractor engine, and the transmissions/2 stage clutch setups seem more fragile than the Fords also....
My only Ford experience is with the 9/2N tractors, I don't have a point of reference, however, I have never thought of these as very fragile. In all the hours our family has put on Massey's, I cannot recall a clutch or engine failure.
I have a Ferguson that i bought at an auction. It is marked 35, but i know it is not a 35. I dont really know what it is. It looks like a TO-30. Whoever had it before really cobled it up. By watching your video, it looks tile a 30. I sure would like to know for sure.
A couple of things to determine what you have: A) 1 gear lever and 4 speeds = 20 or 30, 2 gear levers = 35 B) 2 levers on hydraulic controls = 35
30 had one shift lever 4 speeds forward, one reverse. Dead PTO. 35 has 2 shift levers gives 6 forward 2 reverse. Live PTO 2 stage clutch.
30 a poor man.s 35😢
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